Reflections in art

Artwork speaks volumes about our personalities and our character, and is a deeply personal
way to decorate our own spaces. When many of us think of decorative
art, we often think only of wall hangings, be it a painting or
otherwise. Of course, works of art come in all shapes and forms; from
paintings, photos, prints, sculptures, and other three dimensional
forms. Whether purchased, or a piece of DIY, art is a way to
express ourselves in ways we may not be able to with words. And, of course, it serves both a decorative and functional purpose. Why does a mirror simply have to
be a mirror? Why can it not be not be a unique and beautiful work of
art, while serving as a functional element to a living space? In this
ideabook, we have found some of the more unique and wonderful pieces
of art on homify, in particular art that reflects light to stunning
visual effect, to showcase how artwork can be a form of personal
expression.

All in one

Stumble Upon

As distinctive and extraordinary as a functional piece of artwork can possibly be, this modern take on a classic floor rug speaks for itself. Titled 'Stumble Upon' this artwork from London
based Alessandro Isola proves artwork is more than a splash of paint
hung on a canvas in the hallway. 'Stumble upon' consists of a single
sheet that employs two materials on either side that are in stark
contrast to one other. The top of the rug is soft, warm and inviting,
whereas the underside (can it even be called the underside?) is a
cold, shiny metal surface, acting as a coffee table, gracefully
beaming light around the room. The underlay of a rug is often ugly,
whereas in this case, the underlay could even be called more
attractive than the top. It is also multi-use, the cantilevered part doubles up as a coffee table!

London Design Festival

Victoria & Albert Museum

This image shows us a reception desk located in the iconic Victoria & Albert Museum in London, designed by Giles Miller Studio for the London Design festival 2013, as a point of contact for the famous festival of all things design. The textured surface beautifully reflects light in varying degrees for a stunning visual effect to greet those visiting last year's festival. The existing building's facades and and colour tones, are boldly contrasted by the modern reception desk, instantly giving visitors an idea of what they may be in for when visiting the museum.

Mirror table

Sunrise Table

Another piece that includes a reflective surface as the main design feature, as well as serving a
totally functional purpose, is the 'Sunrise Table' from EK Design,
also from London. The designers purpose was to make the owner of the
table stop, pause for a moment, and to contemplate the day ahead.
The table includes a piece of leather that runs the length of the
table, also wrapping around on the underside to support the mirror. From here, the mirror can easily glide along the strip, through the small
opening that acts as a runner for the maneuverable mirror. The mirror
can also be separated from the table to become two separate
furnishings. To get a better insight into the project, click here to view it in full.

Whale? leaf?

LIFE

Reminiscent of something between a whale skeleton and the veins of a leaf, the aptly titled wall hanging
named 'Life' is a sculpture commissioned for Treliske Hospital in
Cornwall, for their organ donation department. As you pass by the
piece, light animates the ribs or veins of the skeleton, effectively
bringing it to 'life'. By being situated in a hospital by the sea,
where all life essentially began,
this sculpture from Melanie Guy aims to bring hope to those in the
ward, and to remind us of the beauty of all natural lifeforms, great
or small.

Brutalist

Essentially, all reflective art pieces are a mirror of some description. This mirror, featuring in a home
designed by Interiors by Rachel Usher, reminds us of the cold and
bleak materials of brutalism, including glass and concrete,
perfectlty paired to create a modern and functional piece. The smooth
and shiny glass surface is in stark contrast to the unfinished and
rough texture that frames the mirror.